Rooster question

[Futuregreenefarm]

I have a question some of you may have opinions on that have rooster experience. I have 5 cockerels, 3 of which I am rehoming this weekend. They are the most aggressive of the 5 going around picking on everyone, even the pullets. The other 2 are what appears to me to be on the bottom of the order. One very docile and easily comes up to me wanting food. The other is skittish and I believe this is partly due to him having somewhat impaired vision. Also why I believe he is picked on. They sneak up behind him a lot. I feel like I should keep the hard to see one and try to learn to work with him and his brother who is docile. My question is I know the hormones will eventually set in and I know with the other 3 dominant ones gone, the roo with good sight will rise up dominant. Do you think he will start to pick on the one that is vision impaired also? And we aren't friendly, he and I, but he does come up to me for food and sometimes tries to take from my hand without permission which I have started pushing him away when he does. Think he can still be a good roo eventually? Or is he already not afraid of me enough that he might turn "bad"? They are 11 weeks old. Sorry so long.

 

[chickens really]

Definitely only keep the healthier one and remove the rest. Fighting will happen and the visually impaired will get targeted.

 

[Folly's place]

It's early times yet, and group dynamics are also at work here. A cockerel who really comes after you won't be good, or one that is causing injuries. Otherwise, it's a matter of watching and seeing who will be best. Poor vision doesn't sound promising; why?
I do worry about any that seem 'friendly' at this point too.
If you have developed preferences, go for it, and realize that issues can come up later.
Mary

 

[Shadrach]

Broadly speaking, if they are confined and unrelated you are very likely to have problems; not just between the roosters but between you and the roosters.
You might find this article helpful.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/understanding-your-rooster.75056/

 

[Futuregreenefarm]

@Shadrach thank you for the link. To be honest, I have read through this article (it's great) 3 times now trying to decide if I even wanted to keep a rooster.

 

[Folly's place]

If this is your first flock of chicks, consider keeping only pullets, and get straight run chicks next spring, so you can choose a cockerel then.
Polite roosters are not rare! What gets talked about most, here and everywhere, are the jerks. Just don't do what so many of us have done as newbies, and put up with a dangerous idiot. Learn from my mistakes, and only keep a good one!
Mary

 

[Shadrach]

@Shadrach thank you for the link. To be honest, I have read through this article (it's great) 3 times now trying to decide if I even wanted to keep a rooster.

If you are in any doubt then I would agree with Mary above.
Many flocks will fare as well if not better without a rooster, particularly if the flock is contained. Imo, roosters come into their own free ranging.

 

[Oakhammockchick]

We had our first rooster last year. Handsome guy with mean eyes. He would not let me in the coop or run. Hubby could get in but could not turn his back on the rooster without being jumped. His good looks saved him for awhile as we thought most were like this. We found out differently and that wild eyes rooster became lunch. The new rooster is still young, and doesn't have that wild eye. We handle him daily and let him in the house where he behaves wonderfully. He is also being educated by the old hens. They are all educating us.

 

[Folly's place]

Cockerels raised in a mixed flock, with mature rooster(s) and hens, get educated and humble, and have a better chance to grow up well.
If you are unsure of yourself out there, the birds will pick up on that! Remember, you are THE QUEEN, who brings food, and is respected by all.
Mary

 

[Futuregreenefarm]

Thank you all for the great advice.